Baby and 83-year-old lola beat COVID-19

COVID-19 has threatened the lives of Filipinos from all age groups, from newborn babies to senior citizens.

As part of their 21st anniversary special on Thursday, "Unang Hirit" featured the inspiring story of a 14-day old boy named Alexander who tested positive for the virus a little over a month after Metro Manila was placed under enhanced community quarantine.

His family only found out when the mother, Ellsie Clerigo was classified as a person under investigation (PUI).

Ellsie was fine, but Baby Xander and another one of her children tested positive.

"Parang nanghina po [ako], kasi baby pa lang siya, bakit nakaranas na siya ng ganon?" said the mother.

"Nagtataka ako bakit si baby ko positive tapos ako, hindi. Sinwab test din po sila, nalaman 'yung isa positive din parang nanghina na rin po ako lalo," she added.

The terrifying situation also plunged Ellsie's husband Russel into a depressed state, but he and Ellsie knew it was important to stay strong for their kids.

"Ang unang naramdaman ko po, ang sabi ko: Nakit ba samin pa nagkasunod-sunod 'yung problema? Ano ba talaga ang balak sami," Russel said.

"Tapos sinabi ko siyan sa misis ko na 'Okay lang si baby, 'wag ka nang maglala.' Doon, medyo nagkabawi bawi kami ng lakas nawala 'yung kaunting pagaalaala."

And now, Baby Xander is now seven months old and COVID-free.

"Kumapit lang po kami kay God, nag-pray po kami tapos naging malakas nalang po ang loob namin para sa mga bata, 'yun lang po," Ellsie said.

"Unang Hirit" also featured the story of Amelia "Miling" Talingdan, an 83-year-old woman who survived COVID-19 despite several health problems.

Lola Miling — who has had a long battle with asthma, high blood pressure and kidney problems — tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing a flurry of symptoms like fever, vomiting, and coughing.

It was tough for the grandmother to be away from her family, but she decided to stay strong and keep praying.

She was able to come home from the hospital a month later.

Lola Miling could still recall the day she got a negative test. "Maligayang maligaya po ako masayang masaya, muntik na 'kong nahulog sa kama ko diyan sa tawa ko."

She also shared some important advice for people her fellow senior citizens who test positive for COVID-19.

“Huwag po silang matakot dahil po ang Diyos ay hindi natutulog," During her live interview on Unang Hirit.

"Magdasal lamang po sila na kung nagkasakit ho silang virus. Magdasal lang po sila na bumalik po sila kaagad dahil po ako hindi ko na po akalain na mabubuhay po ako," she added.

As a small gift to commemorate their 21st anniversary, "Unang Hirit" gave Baby Xander's family a brand new stroller, a high chair, and diapers.

Lola Miling, on the other hand, received a brand new TV, radio, washing machine and a noche buena package for her family this Christmas. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News